Chapter 110: Supplies Have Arrived

Chu Yun had originally thought that when the army led by the Shaman Doctor Sect arrived outside Chujia Town, they might set up camp to rest before launching an attack. But he considered this unlikely because the population of Chujia Town was too small; even if everyone took up arms, there would be fewer than a thousand people—only about a third of the Shaman Doctor Sect’s forces this time around.

Therefore, despite the long journey and exhaustion, the Shaman Doctor Sect’s army could easily launch a direct assault and take Chujia Town in one swift strike. Unexpectedly, there was a code of engagement observed. Naturally, this meant they had to establish a camp.

In that case, Chu Yun thought, he could simply toss a few bombs and drive the Shaman Doctor Sect back. Now, he had resolved to launch a nighttime bombing raid. He planned to claim he was a descendant of the immortals, and that by attacking him, the Shaman Doctor Sect had offended the divine, which was why the gods had unleashed thunderous bombardments upon them.

In this backward civilization, such a claim would surely be believed without question. The Shaman Doctor Sect and their army would be so terrified they would flee in panic, and the entire Great Qi Dynasty, along with several neighboring vassal kingdoms, might even regard him as a divine being.

Everyone was stunned to see Chu Yun laugh heartily. Chu Wencai asked in surprise, “My lord count, why do you laugh so wildly?”

Chu Yun smiled and replied, “Heh heh, I already have a strategy for the battle. Rest assured! Alright, meeting dismissed. Everyone, go about your affairs.”

Seeing Chu Yun’s confidence and knowing he was a descendant of the immortals, everyone relaxed somewhat and dispersed.

Chu Yun then personally rode to the granary, pried open the lock, and unlocked the storehouse. To his dismay, there was not a single grain of food inside. His brow furrowed deeply.

The owner was a man loyal to the Qi King. He had fled with his family, leaving not a single grain behind. Clearly, this was the Qi King’s way of abandoning him.

Yet Chu Yun could not comprehend why. The Qi King had once held him in high regard, though somewhat timid, he had gone to great lengths to win him over, even arranging for him and Lin Yang to be stationed in the south to leave a backdoor for the Great Qi Dynasty.

Why, then, had he suddenly been forsaken? There had been no warning—it was highly unusual.

Observing the empty granary and Chu Yun’s troubled expression, others grew concerned. “My lord count, our food supplies will only last two or three days. The crops in the fields won’t mature for at least forty more days. What are we to do?”

Chu Yun waved them off, “Don’t worry. I’ve already sent a message by pigeon to Viscount Lin Yang, asking him to send food. There’s no need to fret over supplies.”

He believed that since he had saved Lin Yang’s life, even if the Qi King had abandoned him, Lin Yang would surely come to his aid. Otherwise, it would be a profound disappointment.

Someone hesitated and asked, “My lord count, what if Viscount Lin Yang doesn’t send the food? Or if his supplies cannot be delivered?”

Chu Yun shot a cold snort and said, “I told you, don’t worry about food. Before our stores run out, food will definitely arrive in Chujia Town.”

The man quickly fell silent, unwilling to speak further. No one else dared bring up the topic again, though their relief was evident—they all had faith in Chu Yun.

Then Chu Wencai, Chu Lefu, and Chu Cuihua, the three headmen, relayed Chu Yun’s orders to the townsfolk: the Shaman Doctor Sect’s army was advancing on Chujia Town and had already reached its border. This news spread swiftly, stirring considerable panic.

Chen Ping and the sixty guards promptly stepped forward to maintain order, advising that people could leave town but only take their own belongings, forbidding looting amid the chaos.

Thus, no riots broke out despite the fear. Still, over a hundred people packed up quickly and fled. Most were from the Red Chamber brothel, the gambling den, the Ten-Mile Fragrance Inn, the Celebration Restaurant, the Wu family pharmacy, and native residents of Chujia Town.

None of the more than three hundred who left with Chu Yun departed. They had complete faith in him and were glad to see many locals flee. Once Chu Yun successfully repelled the Shaman Doctor Sect, they would claim fertile lands for themselves.

Crucially, these lands held crops that would mature and be harvested in just a few dozen days.

That night, Chu Wencai, Chu Lefu, and Chu Cuihua, mindful of the dwindling food supplies, served a lighter dinner, leaving many still hungry. Everyone understood the situation, and no one complained.

Still, Chu Yun was furious. He summoned the three headmen. “Why was dinner so meager tonight?”

The three fell silent, looking nervously at Yang Liu’er, silently pleading for help.

Yang Liu’er understood and smiled faintly at Chu Yun. “Husband, please don’t be angry. I asked them to make less dinner because our food is truly scarce. I had thought to skip dinner altogether but feared you’d be angry. So I told them to use less grain. I didn’t expect you’d still be upset.”

Chu Cuihua added, “My lord count, please don’t blame the countess. We used to rarely have two meals a day, let alone three. This life now is something we never even dreamed of before.”

Chu Wencai, Chu Lefu, Chen Ping, and Ye Zelan all chimed in with similar reassurances.

Chu Yun shook his head. “I said, don’t worry about the food. Well, tonight we’ll make do with a poor meal. Tomorrow, every meal must be as plentiful as before—no one must go hungry.”

“Yes, my lord count!” the three headmen responded in unison.

Just then, a guard responsible for the city gate rushed over to report, “My lord count, a group has arrived outside the gate. They’re pushing carts loaded with sacks—seemingly food. Given the special circumstances, we feared a trick and came to report immediately.”

Chu Yun and the others were stunned but pleasantly surprised. They had been fretting about food, and now a delivery had arrived. Chu Yun assumed it was Lin Yang’s doing and silently praised the man’s conscience.

“How many people are in that group?” Chu Yun asked.

The guard replied, “Not sure exactly, but no more than thirty.”

Chu Yun nodded. “In case of deceit, call all the guards to follow me.”

“Yes, my lord count!” the three headmen answered promptly and hurried to summon the guards.

Chen Ping also gathered all the clerks and officials.

The preparations were underway.